varsity sports really required?

USAFA10s said:
Yes! Outside sports can definitely help. On the USAFA side the fencer twins, two very competitive fencers in my class are an example. Also for me, most of the tennis I played was not high school as my region was fairly weak. I have also had classmates with high level belts in various martial arts or for the case of a small or homeschooled kid, a mainstream sport such as soccer played at the club level instead because it was more competitive or the school didn't have a team.

Rev clubs are probably not great for this since the competition element isn't really there, but every case is different. That's what the essays are for, to explain how you are unique.
Click to expand...
I seem to misinterpret your statement. So you're saying the outside sports aren't really great for applying?
 
High school cross country and track and field are often open to everyone, meaning no cuts. The training you'll receive and the camaraderie of running/working out with others is invaluable, regardless of skill.
 
hthp37 said:
High school cross country and track and field are often open to everyone, meaning no cuts. The training you'll receive and the camaraderie of running/working out with others is invaluable, regardless of skill.
Click to expand...
okay, great!
 
The bottom line is you need to be involved in physical activity no matter what. IDEALLY, varsity sports is what you want to shoot for -- it isn't the end-all-be-all in EVERY case. Some candidates have very legitimate excuses -- including overcoming difficult barriers. I also would not call cheerleading a sport -- it is more of an ECA. The easiest way to demonstrate you are in good shape is through competition (high school or non-high school --- high school is IDEAL) that can be documented and doing exceptionally well on the CFA. A candidate who doesn't play a sport or show that they are in good shape AND does not do well (just passing isn't doing "well") on the CFA is swimming upstream. I WOULD NOT rely on "well some candidates get in without (varsity) sports," since the majority of candidates DO. Being physically active IS something that the CANDIDATE controls.
 
che527 said:
I seem to misinterpret your statement. So you're saying the outside sports aren't really great for applying?
Click to expand...

I'm saying competitive outside clubs/competitions can work equally well while rec* (typo) clubs that are more for fun/less competitive are not going to help. For example, state champion fencer would work to replace varsity sports while recreational badminton or pick up basketball at a local gym would not
 
che527 said:
i was told that varsity sports are really great for the USNA academy due to a lot of physical work and commitment. is this true? i was only in Cheer JV. Also, I was placed in Lacrosse JV, but I had to quit due to personal issues.
Click to expand...

socalfan said:
Class of 2020's facts listed 92% varsity athletes and 72% team captains. I wouldn't want to be outside that statistic if at all possible.
Click to expand...

Key posts in this thread, IMO.
 
hthp37 said:
High school cross country and track and field are often open to everyone, meaning no cuts. The training you'll receive and the camaraderie of running/working out with others is invaluable, regardless of skill.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily, our high school cut for both...track they cut to 300, yes you read that right. BUT I agree that cross country and distance track especially would be good preparation in addition to a nice line on the resume.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top